What it took to get to Pluto
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
NASA launched the New Horizons mission to Pluto in January 2006. It was a long-anticipated project that almost didn't happen.
As Alan Stern, planetary scientist and manager of the project, wrote in a new book he co-authored, "It was disappointing to me to learn that senior scientists insisted that a mission to Pluto wasn't justified simply for its exploration value."
Stern joined MPR News host Kerri Miller to discuss his new book, "Chasing New Horizons: Inside the Epic First Mission to Pluto," which he co-authored with David Grinspoon.
Use the audio player above to hear the full discussion.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.